What Are the UC Berkeley Applied Math Major Requirements?

Learn more about the UC Berkeley applied math major requirements and decide if the program fits your interests. An applied math degree is a practical choice.

A degree in applied math is one of the most practical choices for a college degree.

Applied math focuses on ways advanced mathematical techniques can be used to solve problems and design systems.

Graduates of applied math programs are highly sought-after in fields such as actuarial sciences, data science, operations research, engineering, and computer science. Learn more about the UC Berkeley math major requirements and decide if it's the right program for you.

About UC Berkeley's Applied Math Major

The University of California (UC) Berkeley offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in applied mathematics.

The degree consists of 120 credits and takes most students four years to complete at a full-time rate of study. Students must complete 36 credits of upper-division classes, six of which must be outside the math department.

What are the Entry Requirements for UC Berkeley's Applied Math Program?

UC Berkeley does not list specific entry requirements for its bachelor's degree in applied math.

Instead, students are encouraged to contact an undergraduate admissions advisor.

California students applying to UC Berkeley should have a 3.0 or higher GPA in 10th and 11th grade while out-of-state students should have a GPA of 3.4.

Each applicant will also be given a holistic assessment that seeks to determine their unique qualities and motivations to assess their suitability for the program.

General Education

Regardless of which major students select, general education credits are crucial to a well-rounded education.

General education courses provide a broad overview of many core topics.

UC Berkeley has selected a range of general education classes that ensure each student will develop personally and professionally.

The general education classes include:

Foreign Language
Entry Level Writing
American History and American Institutions
Quantitative Reasoning
Reading and Composition
Arts and Literature
Social and Behavioral Science
International Studies
Philosophy and Values
Biological Science
Historical Studies
Physical Sciences

These general education classes give students a broad perspective on the world and basic competencies that are required in any career.

General education courses are important because students often change majors or career paths.

A good college degree program will allow students to specialize in an area of study while also broadening their perspective and learning about many topics.

Core Classes

The core classes create the foundation of a strong math education and prepare students for many other areas of study.

The core class requirements are:

Calculus I
Calculus II
Multivariable Calculus
Linear Algebra & Differential Equations
Discrete Mathematics

The required upper-division classes are:

Introduction to Analysis
Linear Algebra
Introduction to Abstract Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Introduction to Complex Analysis

Electives

Students in UC Berkeley's applied math program will select electives relating to a specific theme.

Common electives include:

UC Berkeley Applied Math Concentrations

Instead of concentrations, the UC Berkeley applied math major requirements allow students to select a cluster of electives that will allow them to dive deeper into a specific area.

Clusters will usually be focused on a specific theme and combine at least three courses to give students a competitive skill set.

There are at least 16 clusters that have been pre-approved and students can suggest new combinations to their academic advisor. Popular clusters include:

Actuarial sciences
Classical mechanics
Data science
Mathematical biology
Geophysics
Social science
Operations research
Systems theory
Fluid mechanics

Clusters allow students to customize their degree, learn more about an area of interest, and develop marketable skills.

Is UC Berkeley's Applied Math Major Hard?

UC Berkeley's applied math degree is a prestigious program that is designed for students with a high aptitude for math.

Students who enjoy math are often highly motivated and may not experience the degree to be difficult, however,

Each student's perception of program difficulty depends on their skills, interests, and motivations.

What Careers Can You Get With a Degree in Applied Math?

One of the great strengths of the UC Berkeley applied math major requirements and cluster system is the career-specific training students will receive.

Common career paths stemming from different approved clusters include:

Should I Study Applied Math at UC Berkeley?

Yes, an applied math degree from UC Berkeley is a highly respected qualification that will prepare students for advanced study, research, and many careers.

A degree in applied math is particularly practical as it allows students to focus on applications of high-level quantitative skills and will prepare them for well-compensated roles.

Find an Applied Math Degree Today

Understanding the UC Berkeley applied math major requirements can help you make an informed decision about a college degree.

Let Learn.org help you select a program that will fit your needs.